Highlights
- Elon Musk calls on King Charles to dissolve British Parliament.
- Musk accuses PM Keir Starmer of mishandling child exploitation cases during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions.
- Jess Phillips criticized for rejecting a national inquiry into exploitation cases in Oldham.
- British lawmakers denounce Musk’s claims as factually inaccurate and harmful to victims.
- King Charles holds the authority to dissolve parliament but rarely acts without a prime minister’s request.
- Musk’s support for far-right figures raises concerns about his global political influence.
Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO, recently sparked political controversy by calling on King Charles to dissolve the British Parliament. Musk expressed concerns about the government’s alleged failure to address child sexual exploitation cases from over a decade ago.
His comments, however, have drawn criticism from lawmakers and political figures, who argue Musk is misinformed and spreading inaccurate claims.
Musk Calls for King Charles to Intervene
On X (formerly Twitter), Musk publicly appealed to King Charles, stating that dissolving parliament would serve the interests of British citizens.
His sharp criticism targeted Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of negligence during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions (2008–2013). Musk alleged Starmer’s inaction contributed to the “worst mass crime in the history of Britain.”
Musk also took aim at Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, demanding her resignation. He criticized her rejection of a national inquiry into child exploitation in Oldham, England.
Phillips argued such inquiries are better handled locally, aligning with the Conservative government’s previous stance on the issue.
British Lawmakers Respond
Alicia Kearns, a Conservative Party MP, strongly rebuked Musk’s claims. She accused him of misdirecting public attention away from victims and sharing unverified information online.
British officials across the political spectrum have labeled Musk’s statements as factually inaccurate, urging him to assess claims critically before posting.
Legislators are broadly concerned about Musk’s growing influence and frequent interference in global politics. They view his comments as a distraction from effectively addressing sensitive issues.
Can King Charles Dissolve Parliament?
Musk’s request touches on a rarely exercised royal power. While the monarch technically holds the authority to dissolve parliament, this usually occurs at the prime minister’s request to trigger a general election.
King Charles would only act independently if parliament were deemed incapable of functioning effectively.
Historically, dissolution happens 25 days before an election or after the acting parliament completes a five-year term. For instance, the last dissolution occurred in May 2024, leading to the July general election.
However, King Charles could decline dissolution if national stability or economic concerns outweigh the demand for elections.
Musk’s Controversial Role in British Politics
This isn’t the first time Musk has waded into U.K. political matters. He has supported far-right figures, including Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage.
Musk has also reinstated Robinson’s X account, sparking criticism for downplaying the activist’s legal troubles involving contempt of court and libel.
Musk’s engagement extends to other countries. He has expressed support for Germany’s far-right AfD party, dismissing concerns over extremism, and praised Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s immigration policies.
